BOCA RATON, FL (November 10, 2011) – Jennifer O'Flannery Anderson, Ph.D., an alumna of Florida Atlantic University, will return to her alma mater in December as vice president for community engagement and executive director of the FAU Foundation, Inc. The announcement was made today by FAU President Mary Jane Saunders.

Currently serving as president and chief executive officer of the United Way of Broward County, Dr. O'Flannery Anderson will provide leadership for the university's new office of community engagement, which will encompass all advancement, alumni relations and fundraising activities.

"We are very happy to welcome Dr. O'Flannery Anderson to FAU's leadership team," Saunders said. "She has a long track record of professional success, and she is excited about the prospect of playing a key role in the university's continued rapid development. In addition to her many executive skills and thorough knowledge of the communities served by FAU, she has long been a passionate advocate for the university. We are so pleased to welcome her back."

"Leading the United Way of Broward County, which touches the lives of so many, has been the privilege of a lifetime," Dr. O'Flannery Anderson said. "I am grateful to the board and staff for their dedication and support. Returning to FAU at this time, when it is on such a steep growth curve, is a dream come true. I am eager to begin enriching and expanding FAU's outreach across South Florida."

Dr. O'Flannery Anderson is deeply involved in community service. She is currently vice chair of the North Broward Hospital District board of commissioners, a board member of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance and a member of the board of governors of the United Way of Florida. She holds a doctorate in public administration from FAU and is a graduate of both Leadership Broward and Leadership Florida.

Dr. O'Flannery Anderson will be replacing Randy Talbot, who is retiring in December. "Mr. Talbot has done an excellent job of generating community support for a very wide variety of university initiatives," said Saunders. "We thank him for his service to our students, alumni, faculty and staff and wish him an enjoyable retirement."

-FAU-

About Florida Atlantic University:
Florida Atlantic University, established in 1961, officially opened its doors in 1964 as the fifth public university in Florida. In commemoration of its origin, FAU is celebrating its 50th anniversary throughout 2011. Today, the University serves more than 29,000 undergraduate and graduate students on seven campuses and sites. FAU’s world-class teaching and research faculty serves students through 10 colleges: the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters, the College of Business, the College for Design and Social Inquiry, the College of Education, the College of Engineering and Computer Science, the Graduate College, the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, the Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing and the Charles E. Schmidt College of Science. FAU is ranked as a High Research Activity institution by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. For more information, visit www.fau.edu.